RSPCA offers free pet checks and advice Wet weather RSPCA Victoria’s first Healthy Pet Day event on the Mornington Peninsula is on Wednesday 31 January in Crib Point, with RSPCA experts providing free check-ups, dog vaccines, pet food, and advice on pet behaviours. RSPCA Victoria community outreach manager Dr Lauren Roberts said Healthy Pet Days were a great way to provide pets with health checks. “Our expert animal care team provides pet check-ups, dog vaccines, microchipping, flea and worm prevention treatment, behavioural advice, resources and pet food,” she said. “We want to keep our pets happy and healthy for years to come, and local pet owners will have access to expert advice and the best possible service thanks to our friendly vets, vet nurses and animal behaviourists.” RSPCA Victoria head of prevention Rebecca Cook said the day was aimed at supporting “positive pet ownership and strengthening bonds between families and their pets”. “We believe in working together with Victoria’s communities, because we know it’s not always just about your pets, it’s about you too.” Pet food company Royal Canin will provide pet food for some residents. For more information or to book a pet's appointment, visit: rspcavic.org/healthypet/ To access the free Healthy Pet Day services, attendees must be 18 years old or over, have a valid concession or health care card, and have proof of address in Mornington Peninsula Shire.
Buruli alert
RESIDENTS of coastal areas are being encouraged to take precautions against mosquito bites and Buruli ulcers over summer. Acting Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said 363 cases had been reported in 2023, the highest number since the infection emerged in Victoria in 2004. Buruli ulcer is a bacterial infection linked to mosquitos that can cause significant skin damage. The condition can be treated with antibiotics, making early diagnosis and treatment vital. Symptoms for the infection include spots that look like insect bites, ulcers, painful lumps, limb swelling, redness of the skin and is sometimes accompanied by severe pain and fever. State government-listed steps to reduce the risk of contracting Buruli ulcer, include: Covering up by wearing long, loose fitting clothing as mosquitos can bite through tight clothing. Using insect repellents containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin. Checking the repellent label before applying to children – spraying or rubbing repellent on children’s clothes is recommended, avoiding their skin, especially their hands. Removing stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around the home or a campsite. Fitting windows fitted with mosquito netting or screens. Promptly washing and dressing any new scratches or cuts. Washing exposed skin contaminated by soil or water after outdoor activities The government has allocated $1.1 million for the Beating Buruli project which aims to better understand how Buruli ulcer is transmitted and to determine additional effective ways to prevent and reduce infection.
Pet care: Dane Bath, Buruk the Jack Russell terrier, and Dr Sarah Irwin at a previous RSPCA pet health day. Right, a Labrador awaits his turn for attention. Pictures: Supplied
All cats attending must be in a carry cage and dogs must be on a lead. Due to the national cat vaccine shortage, cat vaccines are not available at the event and every animal requires an appointment. Services at this event will not be provided to breeders or litter rearers. The RSPCA will be at Crib Point Community House in Park Road, from 1pm to 3pm.
WHAT’S NEW... MAJOR SPONSOR
Celebrate Australia Day in Mt Eliza CELEBRATIONS in Mt Eliza for Australia Day on 26 January will, once again, have plenty to entertain the whole family. The free outdoors community event shall have activities on the Village Green. Entertainment will run from 9:00 am till 12:30 pm on the Village Green, with the formal program starting at 10am with the flag-raising by 1 st Ranelagh Scouts. A free sausage sizzle will be available for all throughout the event, and free indigenous plants available to take home, courtesy of ‘The Briars’ Nursery. Musical entertainment will be provided by Rob Foenander, everyone can join in!
Kids will be able to get up close to wildlife in the very popular, hands–on Australian reptile show and exhibition and interact with frogs, turtles, spiny-leaf insects, shingleback lizard, dragon lizard, pythons, and maybe even a crocodile. Younger kids will love the cute animals in the animal farm. There will be free face painting and balloon art. Australia Day in Mt Eliza is run by the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza, sponsored by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and supported by Ritchies IGA and Mt Eliza Community Bank (Bendigo Bank).
Fluid situation: Volunteers from Rotary Club of Mount Eliza serve drinks on Australia Day. Picture: Supplied
Australia Day
Mount Eliza Village Green Friday January 26, 2024 9am - 12.30pm 9AM - 12.00PM: FREE COMMUNITY BBQ 9AM - 12.30PM: LIVE & LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT 10AM: OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS Proudly supported by:
FREE BBQ BREAKFAST LIVE & LOCAL MUSIC ANIMAL FARM
BUBBLE ARTIST CFA FIRETRUCK FACE PAINTING Mornington News
23 January 2024
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